Phase 12

A delectable scent fills the air, luring the younger Elric into the kitchen, where he sees Edward helping himself to a stack of pancakes at the breakfast table.

"Good morning, Brother. You're up early today."

Edward chews and swallows the food in his mouth. "Morning, Al. You were up even before I was."

"I was?" The younger brother blinks in uncertainty.

"Well you had to have gotten out of bed before I did in order to make breakfast."

"Uh...but I didn't make today's breakfast. I thought you did."

Edward has a forkful of pancakes in the air -- halfway to his mouth, but instead of consuming it he sets his fork down on his plate.

"Not me. The old man must have cooked it then."

"What did I cook?" said a voice behind Alphonse. The younger Elric turns around while the older one looks up.

"Morning, Dad. Thanks for the breakfast," says Al.

Hohenheim looks at the bountiful servings of pancakes, eggs, fruits, and juice that are laid out on the table. "Uh...you're welcome, but you're saying thanks to the wrong person."

"And what's that suppose to mean?" Ed questions.

 "I mean...I didn't cook all of this," Hohenheim clarifies.

"Huh? If you didn't cook it, and Ed didn't cook it -- I know I didn't either -- then that means -- "

Edward watches as the color drains from Alphonse's face.

"A ghost did it!"

An incredulous look appeared on Edward's face. Pushing back his chair, we walked over to his sibling. "Alphonse, aren't you a little too old to be believing in that kind of stuff?"

The younger Elric chuckles nervously.

"How many times do I have to tell you? There's no such thing as a g-host!" As Edward whirled around, his last word was cried out in alarm as he simultaneously jumped backwards to hide behind Alphonse. Immediately, an angry fist was shot into the air upon realizing how silly he had acted.

"Aargh! How many times do I have to tell you not to creep up on me like that?!"

The recipient of Edward's outburst returns the former's gaze with a blank stare.

"Oh, Boys. I meant to tell you. William cooked breakfast this morning," said Hohenheim. His words had a profound effect on Edward, whose face blanched.

Edward made a great effort at pretending to choke and gag. With both hands clutching his throat, he made a dramatic sideway fall onto the wooden boards of the kitchen floor. 

Everyone blinked and stared at the collapsed Edward in puzzlement.

"Brother, what are you doing?" Alphonse inquires.

The latter looks up at Al. "Huh? I'm still alive?" He sits upright. "I thought that food would have been poisoned."

Envy looks away uncomfortably while Alphonse flinches and gives a false, staccato laugh. "Ha ha ha! That's very funny, Ed!" He pulls Edward to his feet. "Didn't you say how much you liked those pancakes?"

Edward's face tenses.

"Come on now. Finish your breakfast." Al forces Ed into his chair.

The latter gives a grunt, but otherwise doesn't argue.

Hohenheim guides Envy into a seat before taking one himself.

Al nudges Ed to continue eating, and the latter reluctantly complies.

For the next several minutes the kitchen is filled with the sounds of common chatter -- mostly by Alphonse and Hohenheim -- and the clinking of utensils. Hohenheim compliments Envy on his cooking, while Edward mutters that he didn't realize the Homunculus could even cook. Alphonse gives an uneasy laugh as he tries to maintain peace at the table.

Edward had been staring at his plate this whole time, but now he steals a glance at Envy before turning away. "I see that you're looking better today. So when are you leaving?"

A hushed silence descends.

"Huh? What do you mean by 'leaving'?" Alphonse asks in disbelief.

"Well it's obvious he can't stay with us. We don't have any room, and I'm not going to share my room with him." The blond's comment earns him an elbow in the arm.

"Brother, you're acting very childish."

"Who are you calling such a small kid he can't even climb into his own bed without help?!"

"I didn't say that, Brother! I'm just saying if you don't want to share your room, Big Brother William can share mine."

"What?! Have you gone crazy, Al?!" Edward leans in close and mutters, "We won't get any peace around here if we have to worry about getting attacked while we're sleeping!"

"Brother!"

The two continued to bicker, until Hohenheim decided to intervene.

"That won't be an issue, Boys. I've already converted the attic into a spare bedroom for myself. William is going to take my old room."

The two stop arguing mid-sentence. Alphonse smiles while Edward frowns. Their father had made up his mind on the matter.

The brooding blond picks up his empty plate, glass, and utensils; puts them in the sink, and walks out of the kitchen and up the stairs without another word.

***

Stepping foot outside the house, his eyes take a few moments to adjust to the glowing rays of the sun. Before him was a land of green hills and trees, a countryside that was virtually untouched by man.

The serene landscape is in contrast to Envy's inner turmoil. He walks down the path from the house, unsure of where his feet will take him, but knowing that he wanted to put some distance between himself and his father's house. The dark-haired youth didn't get too far before swift footsteps were heard approaching him from behind.

"William!"

The voice brings Envy to a halt. He slowly turns around to see the profile of his father, who comes to stop a few feet from him. A look of concern is visible in the man's eyes.

"William, where are you going?" Hohenheim asked, fearing what his son will say.

After a brief pause, the latter answers, "Just for a walk outside."

Hohenheim's eyes narrowed, as if he were scrutinizing Envy's response; and the latter bowed his head. His dark-colored eyes darted every which way except in his father's direction.

The man bridged the distance between himself and his son, and placed both hands on the young man's shoulders. "I know all of this is hard on you, but don't blame Edward. He didn't mean what he said back there. He's just feeling a little...uh..." Hohenheim scratches the side of his face with one finger as he takes a moment to ponder Edward's feelings. "What I'm trying to say is; ever since Edward was young I've spoiled him, and as a result he's used to having things in his favor. So right now, he's not used to having an older brother around. But given time, I'm sure you two will get to know each other better."

Envy lifts his head up and gives a faint smile. "I understand, and I don't blame him."

Hohenheim gives his son a few quick pats on the shoulders. "Want to come take a walk with your old man?"

"As long as you don't ask me about my love life." Envy gasps -- fingers touching his lips. Where did that come from?

An astonished look also appears on the alchemist's face. Hohenheim regards the latter for a moment -- catching a very brief glimpse of the person who looked so much like a younger version of himself.

Hohenheim regains his composure, and the corners of his mouth turn upwards -- forming a cheerful grin. "Alright. I promise." He watches as the faint smile reappears on Envy's face.

Placing an arm around his son's shoulders, Hohenheim acts as Envy's unofficial tour guide as the two journey through the countryside of Resembool.

***

As the white clouds drifted lazily in the sky, a bird's cry was heard overhead. The woman paused to look upwards. Normally, she would not have paid attention to such a distraction -- especially when there was no immediate danger, but her mind had been greatly troubled these past few months.

Izumi Curtis breaks free from her trance -- her conscience urging her to keep moving.

The outline of a cave soon appears. Walking closer, she finds a basket near the mouth of the cave -- its contents untouched. With the next few steps, a rock was tossed at the woman's feet, making her stop in her tracks.

"Go away!" came a voice from inside the cave.

"Please, my son. Your automail's starting to wear down. Come with me. We'll go to the Rockbells to have it fixed."

Izumi extends her arm, only to be met with more refusal.

"Don't tell me what to do! You're not my mommy! Go away and leave me alone!"

A dejected look appears on Izumi's face. She closes her eyes -- fighting hard to keep the tears from coming.

The woman released her grip on the basket in her hand and placed it next to the other one by the cave. Head down, she turned and walked away in silence.

***

Her husband, Sig, was waiting for her when she got home. One glimpse of his wife told him that things had not gone well.

"He still won't see you?"

Izumi shakes her head.

"He's stubborn, just like his mother."

The woman lets out a small chuckle.

"By the way, I just got a phone call from Winry. Edward's home."

Phase 11     Phase 13